Workforce Innovations

NOVA Service

Proven People Senior Employment Program

NOVA's Proven People program is a unique entity, the only one of its kind in the country. Co-administered by the City of Sunnyvale and NOVA, Proven People offers an employment and referral service for older workers aged 55 and over in Santa Clara County at no cost to job seekers or employers.

An older worker brings to the workplace experience, expertise, dependability, and dedication, traits any employer would value. Matching these older workers with appropriate jobs has been the mission of NOVA's Proven People program for more than 15 years.

Proven People applicants can take short, temporary assignments, or be employed on a permanent basis in a part-time or full-time capacity. Comp USA, Fry's Electronics, UPS, and Home Depot are just a few of the many businesses that have hired "proven people" over the years.

The level of training and experience for Proven People applicants varies widely. While many have college degrees, even those who have no more than a high school education possess some relevant skills. A good number of the applicants are retired and hoping to supplement their income; others have experienced a layoff and are seeking a longer-term position.

"We've placed bookkeepers, accountants, receptionists, and clerical staff with various businesses," says Jo Reinhart, a Proven People employment counselor. "We have a car dealership and a flooring company that have come back to us to replace personnel because they have been happy with the people we previously referred."

If a worker proves unsuitable, Proven People refers one or more new candidates to the business. Follow-up, both with the employer, and with the job seeker, is considered essential. If the staff hears more than one complaint about an applicant, that applicant will no longer receive job referrals.

In addition to referring individuals to commercial businesses, Proven People also helps local residents find the assistance they need. People in the community who have maintenance, gardening, or other small jobs they need done for reasonable fees have found older workers to perform such tasks as clean houses, mow lawns, prune shrubs, repair plumbing, and fix minor electrical problems through this valuable program.

"Most of our applicants have very reasonable rates," says Millie Winsberg, another Proven People employment counselor. "They are frequently referred to neighbors and friends, thus increasing their customer base."

Proven People got its start in the late 1970s when a Sunnyvale Senior Center member requested help finding a low-cost repair person to perform some simple maintenance. A retiree, who could do the job, offered to do it for her at a reasonable price. From there, the program grew: retirees found new careers and discovered they enjoyed providing a service to the community. Homemakers, housecleaners, and in-home caregivers soon followed. In 1990, NOVA took over administration of the program.

Both Reinhart and Winsberg have been with the program for more than six years. Though the jobs they refer are seldom high level or high paying, they provide purpose, raise self-esteem, and most importantly, help pay the bills.

The Proven People office is located at the Sunnyvale Senior Center (550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale) and is open Monday through Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To list a job opening or to apply to the program, please call Proven People staff at (408) 730-7368 or fax listings to (408) 739-3729.